An Exeter College student studying Spanish is celebrating success after his thoughtful essay on how languages unite people was awarded the runner-up prize in a competition run by the University of Exeter.  

Sam Pestridge, from Exminster, entered the competition that invited A Level languages students from around the county to submit their thoughts on the question, ‘Do languages unite more than they divide us?’  

“There were lots of different people who entered, so when I heard that I had placed I was really pleased,”

Sam Pestridge, Exeter College Student

Sam’s 500 word essay looked at the roots of all language in the world, providing an optimistic view of the future of communication.  

Sam said, “I tried to look at the question from a different angle. I did some research and reading about how languages have evolved and the different theories behind that. I wrote about languages and their development, from our early use of them to how we use them now.” 

Sam’s efforts paid off, as he received the runner up prize for the University of Exeter’s competition, which has seen his work published in their online magazine The Language Exepress and Sam received an Amazon gift voucher worth £20.  

“I was very surprised that I heard back from them because I didn’t expect anything at all,” said Sam. 

“There were lots of different people who entered, so when I heard that I had placed I was really pleased. My essay essentially concluded that languages do unite us more than they divide us. We managed to use language historically as a way to make sure that we survived in our human groups. I ended with a call to action saying that we need to re-learn how to use languages so that they can act as a unifying tool once again.” 

Sam’s Spanish Lecturer Tim Melia said how pleased he was for Sam. “I’m very proud that we have students like Sam with us at the college; with a genuine interest in languages and with the motivation and maturity to take part in this competition alongside their studies. My warmest congratulations to Sam and all our students who took part,” said Tim. 

“This competition has been a part of our efforts in languages to forge links with the University. This has also involved us delivering a joint session on the merits of studying languages to students in schools in the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust.” 

The essays were judged by a panel of University of Exeter Lecturers who were looking for creativity and quality of analysis from the entrants.  

Sam, who is currently in Year 12, is studying for A Levels in Spanish, Politics and History with Exeter College. He wanted to pay tribute to the impact of his Spanish Lecturer Tim Melia for helping him during his studies.  

Sam continued: “Tim sent us the competition details for this and encouraged us to go for it. He’s always on the lookout for opportunities for us to be able to extend ourselves outside of the normal curriculum and do things that aren’t on the syllabus but will enrich our studies.” 

Indeed, in Sam’s nine months with Exeter College so far, his Spanish class visited the Translation Festival in Exeter and have taken part in the linguistics Olympiad; a series of language-based puzzles designed by the Languages and English Language Departments. 

“I wanted to take a language with Exeter College because it gives me the chance to communicate with people I wouldn’t normally be able to. The course here is great because it covers the whole Hispanic world with topics on politics and society, among others,” said Sam.  

“The course lets you learn a lot more about the world as well as language and it’s really interesting to be able to do that with Spanish.  

“Tim teaches us in a holistic way. During my GCSEs, I felt like I was memorising things, but Tim has been teaching us so that we can learn to actually communicate well, rather than just pass an exam. We’re not just learning the language; we’re learning how to use it well.” 

Online Learning 

Sam’s ongoing learning with Exeter College is currently taking place online due to the Government’s closure of schools and colleges in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.  

He said he’s been receiving support from College staff during this challenging period.  

“Teachers have been calling us online, this is especially useful for a subject like Spanish where it’s important that we keep practising our speaking,” said Sam.  

“Teachers have been doing PowerPoints and recording sessions for us. I feel I’m supported in my learning and the teachers are always available for us if we need them.”  

After completing his studies with Exeter College in summer 2021, Sam hopes to go to university to study International Development and Spanish as a joint degree. 

“I find those two aspects of my work really enjoyable. As far as a job goes after university, I’m hoping that the skills I gain from my degree will leave me with lots of opportunities. I’ll look in to which career path is right for me as I go forward.”  

Read Sam’s full article here in The Language Exepress.  

Check out our A Level Spanish course page.  

Complete an online application now to study with Exeter College.